Omega Holidays

Imagine the Royal Albert Hall, filled with glorious technicolor lights. And sweeping laser beams. And pyrotechnics. And blasting cannons and clashing cymbals and kaleidoscope patterns (did we mention the technicolor lights?).

Yes, this is actually a thing that you can go to. It’s called Classical Spectacular – a Royal Philharmonic extravaganza that matches classical music favourites with explosions of colour and light.

Think of it as orchestral music for the eyes as well as the ears.

Today’s Big Deal lets you experience it for yourself this November during a two night stay in London. As well as a night out at The Royal Albert Hall, you’ll also have time to wave at Big Ben and do some Christmas shopping too.

London concert escape

The Big Deal offers return train tickets to London from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee or Aberdeen, as well as a two night stay at your choice of Central London four star hotel, and a ticket to Classical Spectacular. A full English breakfast is included.

The offer is based on two people sharing a standard double or twin room.

Journey by rail

Train is a great way to travel to London. You get to leave direct from a city centre location then enjoy the sight of the changing British landscape through your window.

As you’ll be travelling in autumn, the scenery will be especially pretty. Plus you can sip tea (or gin) from the buffet car and pretend you’re a character in an Agatha Christie novel.

London highlights

London – where do we start?

This is the city that manages to be all things to all people while always staying true to its chic and fashionable self. You will have time to take in some sights on this trip, it’s just a question of what you want to see.

South Kensington is where you’ll find highlights like the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and Kensington Gardens. Stately Westminster offers up Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, the Houses of Parliament, 10 Downing Street and Westminster Abbey, while Soho is where to go for the trendiest bars and restaurants.

Stroll along pretty Regent’s Canal to soak in a whole other side of London, including the Little Venice houseboat community. Or head to artsy Shoreditch and buzzing Hackney to experience the coolest artisan bars, cafes and boutiques.

Plus you can pick up Christmas gifts in Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, Oxford Street or even groovy Camden Market, if that’s more your style.

Spectacular classics

For a few nights only, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra presents Classical Spectacular, an evening of much-loved music combined with dazzling visual displays.

You don’t need to be a classical music buff to enjoy an event like this, as many of the pieces will be familiar to you. This year, audiences will be treated to favourites like Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Finale and 1812 Overture, Orff’s O Fortuna (Old Spice advert), and Ravel’s Bolero (Torvill and Dean’s theme tune, if you’re young enough to remember the 80s). All with thundering cannons and indoor fireworks, naturally.

The Royal Albert Hall is a place that everyone should try to visit once, especially when it channels the spirit of Fantasia for Classical Spectacular.

Choice of central hotels

You have a choice of three hotels to stay in, all 4 star rated and in great locations:

Tower Hotel

This stylish riverside hotel overlooks Tower Bridge, St Katharine Docks and The Tower of London. When you arrive, you can unwind in the fitness centre and cafe or go for a stroll through central London.

The hotel’s Brasserie restaurant offers panoramic views over the Thames and a menu of international cuisine. Before your meal, you can relax with a pre-dinner drink in the chic Xi Bar and Lounge.

Rooms include flat screen TVs with freeview, complimentary mineral water, hot drink making facilities, air conditioning and a safe. The hotel has free wifi throughout.

Crowne Plaza London Kings Cross

The Crowne Plaza is a contemporary hotel that’s recently been refurbished. It’s situated between the City of London and the West End, near to various tube stations.

The hotel’s Ozone Leisure Club includes a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and multi–gym, plus spa treatments. The hotel also has two restaurants: the Belgo, specialising in Belgian dishes and beers, and the Bloom Kitchen and Bar.

All rooms have wifi, satellite TV, pay movies, bathrobes, complimentary newspapers and hot drink making facilities.

Grosvenor Hotel

This sweeping Victorian Railway hotel is just along the road from Buckingham Palace – if that fact doesn’t impress you then the chandelier-lit lobby will.

The Grosvenor has recently undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment, combining its 19th century heritage with state-of-the-art facilities. There are various dining options on offer in the hotel, including the Grand Imperial restaurant for Cantonese gourmet food.

All rooms have quality beds, free wifi, flat screen TVs with Freeview, ipod docks, complimentary mineral water and hot drink making facilities.

Audience reviews

Classical Spectacular at The Royal Albert Hall has received some rave reviews on Trip Advisor, including the following shortened comments:

‘This is a fantastic venue for any concert and the Classical Spectacular is something not to be missed. A great selection of classical pieces that I am sure most people would recognise. Not for the serious classical audience perhaps, but it is a great deal of fun, complete with canons, balloons and flag waving!’ 5 stars

‘It really is a show not to be missed. The thunderous crescendo of the ‘1812 Overture’ of course really makes it but the whole thing is a not to be forgotten, performances are truly spectacular. The orchestra, the Band of the Scots Guards, the chorus, soloists and conductor John Rigby were all excellent, not to mention those responsible for the amazing lighting effects, the fireworks and the muskets and cannons.’ 5 stars

‘Once again I accompanied 48 clients to my favourite venue of all time for a wonderful matinee performance of the Classical Spectacular…John Rigby the conductor was on form as usual and the whole show was another one to put in the memory bank…roll on next year.’ 5 stars

Pre-Christmas escape

There’s no getting away from the fact that November can be a wee bit damp and grey at times. But what better way to get yourself in the mood for the festive season than at a dazzling music and light display in the Royal Albert Hall?

This Big Deal gives you the chance to enjoy an unforgettable event while fitting in some Christmas shopping too. It would make a great pre-festive getaway with a partner or friend, or even a surprise early gift for someone.